Overview:

Mes Bridge is an iconic landmark located in Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage town in Albania. The bridge spans across the Drino River and is one of the oldest structures found in the region. Its construction was ordered by Sultan Mehmet Ali Pasha in 1816 and fully completed in 1823. Mes Bridge is an important symbol of Albania’s Ottoman past and a popular tourist destination. The bridge is noted for the unique combination of Ottoman and contemporary engineering techniques, as well as its height of 33 meters and length of 78.8 meters. The bridge connects the two parts of the city, and its arches are designed to carry an impressive volume of water during flooding season. Mes Bridge is a must-see for anyone exploring Gjirokastër. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

1. Military Tombstones: The bridge is most noteworthy for its 12 military tombstones, which honor fallen Ottoman soldiers from the war of 1878 - 1881. 2. Historical Importance: This bridge in Gjirokastër is one of the most important historical sites in Albania and is a symbol of national pride. 3. Spanning the Vjosë River: The Mes Bridge is a stone arch bridge that crosses the Vjosë River. It is 142 meters long and 12 meters high, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. 4. Narrow Bridge: The bridge is quite narrow, with a width of just 3 meters. It also has a cobblestone surface, making it even more interesting. 5. Baroque Style: The bridge was constructed in the Baroque style, which was popular in the Ottoman Empire at the time. It is decorated with intricately carved stone details and has an elegant in its overall appearance. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

Mes Bridge is a historical bridge located in the Gjirokastër Municipality of Albania. It is located on the Vjosa River, approximately 2km from the centre of Gjirokastër. The bridge dates back to the 16th century and was constructed by the Ottoman Empire. It is believed to have been originally constructed in the style of an Ottoman bridge, using mud and stones to form arches. The bridge has been through a multitude of restorations throughout its history. In the 19th century, under the rule of Ali Pasha, Mes Bridge was reconstructed using wood and iron. This form has remained up until today, with only minor restorations making changes to certain parts. In 2015, UNESCO proposed that Mes Bridge be included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in Albania. Mes Bridge is considered to be an important historical monument in the Gjirokastër region of Albania. It stands as a reminder of the rich cultural history of the region and serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Mes Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the Balkans at 1,045m (3,437ft) long. 2. The Mes Bridge spans the entire length of the Drino River in Gjirokastër, Albania. 3. The bridge is made of distinctive local stone masonry and is thought to have been built in the late 18th century. 4. The Mes Bridge was featured in the film The Macedonian King, which was filmed in the city of Gjirokastër. 5. The bridge was the scene of several battles during World War II and was subsequently damaged by Italian and German fire. 6. The two sides of the bridge are joined by a series of 22 arches that were once used to transport water from the Drino River to the Mes Lake. 7. The Mes Bridge is one of the oldest cultural monuments in Albania and was added to the country’s list of protected national monuments in 1998. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era